In 2020, more than 13 million noninvasive procedures were performed in the United States, with dermal fillers topping the list. Dermal filler treatments involve the injection of a product, typically hyaluronic acid, into the face to restore or enhance facial features.
As we age, we slowly lose the youthful volume in our faces. As children, our faces have a plump, more cherub-like appearance, and this facial volume is associated with youth. However, as we age, we lose volume of both the bony structure as well as the fatty components of our face. Today’s dermal fillers allow your doctor to directly address volume loss with a product that can build up the structure of the face and restore the lost volume.
Different products for different places
As these procedures have grown in popularity, so do the number of products available for treatment. Each of these products differs in its formula, thickness and specific qualities. This is why it is critical to choose a qualified aesthetic physician to fully evaluate your facial anatomy and choose a product and injection technique to give you the most natural results.
Noninvasive facial rejuvenation is truly an art form, and physicians often rely on a variety of different products to achieve the desired look. For loss of structure and support, such as in the cheeks, forehead and temples, your doctor may choose a thicker product to provide support for your tissue. These injections are often performed deeply, near the bone, for the best effect.
The benefits of these deeper injections are that they are often less painful, cause less bruising and can last longer than other types of injections. Deeper injections may last as long as 12 months, and newer products on the market may last up to two years.
For lines and wrinkles closer to the skin, your doctor may choose a more thin product to smooth the skin. These products may be metabolized more quickly and will typically last for 6-12 months. In areas of the face with more movement, such as the mouth and lips, the constant movement of muscles breaks down and dissolves the filler at a faster rate, and fillers tend to be less long-lasting in these more active areas.
What parts of my face can we treat with fillers?
Dermal fillers can be used all over the face, to treat a wide variety of areas. In the upper face, fillers can be used in the tear trough (the deep groove and dark circle under the eye) to restore volume and reduce the look of dark circles and an overly tired appearance. Volume is often added to the cheeks and cheekbones, to improve the appearance of lower wrinkles and restore the youthful and plump cheek appearance.
Dermal fillers can also address both shallow and deep wrinkles of the lower face and around the mouth and jowls. Fillers in these areas can create more fullness and reduce the appearance of sagging and aging seen in this location.
Some patients are either still young, or still have a lot of youthful volume remaining, but use dermal fillers to enhance certain features. The lips are perhaps the most common area where patients are looking to have their existing volume enhanced. A variety of different lip fillers can be used to give a range of results from a very subtle restoration, to a more pronounced “Instagram model” type look.
Did you know? Dermal fillers are also being used for liquid rhinoplasty, a noninvasive technique used to improve the appearance of the nose. Deep fillers like Juvederm Voluma can be used to contour the face, creating a more defined jawline, chin or cheekbone to improve the shape of the face.
What should you expect with dermal fillers?
Noninvasive procedures such as fillers are very popular because they are quick, simple and have minimal downtime. Most treatment sessions require less than an hour. Following injections, it’s recommend that patients avoid exercise for 24 hours and remain upright for the remainder of the day.
The other perk to fillers is that results are fairly immediate. Yes, you can peek in a mirror after your procedure and see instant results. Depending on the type and location of your filler, you may experience some bruising and swelling after your treatment, but that will resolve itself quickly.
What if you don’t like the results?
Most patients are thrilled with their results, but if you’re not completely happy, hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. A special enzyme that dissolves your filler can be injected slowly until you are happy with your facial contour.